In this article
In this article
If you’ve ever stared at your laptop wondering, “What can I start that actually works?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking to quit the 9-to-5, add a second stream of income, or build your empire from your kitchen table, this list is your goldmine.
We’re skipping vague ideas and diving into concrete business models that women all over the world are already using to thrive.
Plus, each idea includes earning potential after 6 months—because dreams are nice, but so is data.
Let’s go!
35 low investment small business ideas for women
1. Teach live classes
If you’re comfortable explaining concepts live—fitness routines, meal prep hacks, math tutoring, or art techniques—start with live sessions. Use Graphy to host and manage your classes, track attendance, and offer replays. Begin with a free trial class, then upsell to packages.
First Steps: Choose a topic → Plan 1-hour class → Launch with free sign-ups → Offer bundle pricing
Earning Potential (6 months): $800–$2,000/month
2. Create a pre-recorded mini-course
Ideal if you’re short on time. You can create a 60–90 minute course on one specific skill—like “how to meditate in the mornings” or “intro to Canva for beginners.” Graphy handles hosting, payments, and drip modules. Promote via friends, Instagram, or local Facebook groups.
First Steps: Outline 3–5 lessons → Record using Loom or phone → Upload to Graphy with simple pricing
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$3,000/month (passive with occasional promo)
3. Start a micro-workshop series
Build a short, repeatable series like “LinkedIn for College Grads” or “Meal Planning for Moms” and run it every month. People love interactive, focused learning. Use Graphy’s live features and community tools to build engagement and upsell future events or coaching.
First Steps: Pick a narrow topic → Build a slide deck → Market via email and Instagram
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,500–$4,000/month
4. Launch a coaching program
Take your course one step further with personalized coaching. For example, a “90-day money mindset” program or “Brand strategy for beginner creators.” You can offer live group calls, workbooks, and personal feedback inside Graphy itself.
First Steps: Create 6-week curriculum → Host live calls + weekly challenges → Sell via webinar or free training
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,500–$8,000/month
5. Build a full-fledged digital academy
For advanced educators—design a complete learning ecosystem with multiple courses, a community, downloads, and live Q&As. You become the go-to expert in your niche. Graphy lets you brand it completely as your own school.
First Steps: Choose your niche → Build 2–3 core courses → Layer in community + upsells
Earning Potential (6 months): $4,000–$15,000/month
6. Offer virtual assistant (VA) services
Offer help with email management, data entry, scheduling, or social media posting. Choose a niche (e.g., authors, wellness coaches) and sell retainer packages. It’s flexible, scalable, and high in demand.
First Steps: Define 3 services → Build a basic Notion service page → Find clients on LinkedIn or job boards
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$3,500/month
7. Become a resume and career consultant
Use your own experience to help others land jobs. Offer resume rewrites, LinkedIn audits, and interview coaching.
Especially effective if you’ve worked in HR, recruiting, or corporate roles.
First Steps: Build 2 sample resumes → Offer beta reviews → Market via college groups or career forums
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,200–$4,000/month
8. Consider freelance writing or editing
Businesses always need writers for blogs, newsletters, and websites. You can also specialize in editing—manuscripts, resumes, or academic papers. Ideal if you enjoy working solo and love words.
First Steps: Choose a writing niche → Build 3 sample pieces → Pitch via cold email or Upwork
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,500–$5,000/month
9. Become a Pinterest manager
Many content creators don’t know how to use Pinterest. Offer them a done-for-you service—pin designs, board creation, and analytics reporting. Low competition, high demand, and very little ongoing effort after setup.
First Steps: Learn Tailwind + SEO basics → Build a demo Pinterest board → Reach out to bloggers or Etsy sellers
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$3,000/month
10. Start Instagram coaching
Teach small businesses or creators how to grow, optimize reels, and convert followers. You can sell 1:1 sessions, audits, or monthly retainers. Especially valuable if you’ve already grown a niche page.
First Steps: Audit your own page → Offer 3 discounted consults → Create highlight testimonials
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,500–$6,000/month
11. Create a custom Notion template business
If you’re organized and know how to use Notion, design planners and dashboards (e.g., for teachers, freelancers, students). Sell them as digital products via Gumroad or your own site.
First Steps: Design 3 templates → List them online → Promote via niche subreddits or TikTok
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$4,000/month
12. Offer voiceover services
A great voice can earn you gigs on YouTube channels, audiobooks, and podcasts. Record demos from home using a mic and editing software like Audacity.
First Steps: Record 3 demo styles → Join Voices.com or Fiverr → Promote to content creators
Earning Potential (6 months): $500–$3,000/month
13. Become a social media manager
Offer full content planning, posting, and analytics for brands and creators. You can scale this by hiring team members later. In-demand niches include real estate, wellness, and local businesses.
First Steps: Create a 1-month content sample → Build a services page → DM 10 leads weekly
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$6,000/month
14. Start blogging with affiliate marketing
Start a blog on a focused niche like budgeting tips, minimalist parenting, or healthy recipes. Monetize through affiliate links and ads. It’s slow at first but highly passive later.
First Steps: Choose your niche → Write 5–10 SEO-friendly posts → Add affiliate links (Amazon, ShareASale)
Earning Potential (6 months): $200–$2,000/month
15. Publish eBooks
Write and self-publish guides or short reads on Amazon. Focus on problem-solving titles like “Meal Prep for One” or “How to Work From Home With Kids.”
First Steps: Outline your book → Write in Google Docs → Format via Kindle Create and publish
Earning Potential (6 months): $300–$1,500/month
16. Host podcasts
Start a niche podcast interviewing experts, sharing tips, or storytelling. Monetize through sponsorships, affiliate mentions, or lead generation into a paid product.
First Steps: Choose a topic → Record 5 episodes → Upload using Buzzsprout or Spotify for Podcasters
Earning Potential (6 months): $200–$2,000/month
17. Run a home-based bakery
Offer custom cakes, cupcakes, or gluten-free cookies under your state’s cottage laws. Start local and build via word-of-mouth and Instagram.
First Steps: Pick 2–3 hero products → Test samples → Promote in local groups and take orders via forms
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,500–$5,000/month
18. Design a meal prep subscription
Cook and deliver weekly meal boxes for busy professionals, moms, or students. Specialize in keto, vegan, or allergy-friendly options. Recurring revenue comes from weekly plans.
First Steps: Build 3 sample menus → Offer local test orders → Promote on Nextdoor and Instagram
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$6,000/month
19. Open an online boutique
Curate a niche store like “neutral basics under $40” or “plus-size vintage edits.” Use Instagram reels to drive awareness. Fulfill orders via dropshipping or small batch inventory.
First Steps: Select your niche → List 10 products → Shoot UGC-style content → Launch on Shopify
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,500–$8,000/month
20. Monetize jewelry making
Handmade earrings, resin necklaces, and clay rings are still trending. Sell on Etsy or pop-ups, but also focus on storytelling: who you are and what the jewelry means.
First Steps: Pick 2–3 materials → Create 10 samples → Set up an aesthetic product page
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$4,000/month
21. Launch a skincare or bodycare brand
Create all-natural lip balms, body scrubs, or salves. Comply with labeling laws and use aesthetic, minimal packaging. Start with Etsy and local markets before scaling.
First Steps: Learn basic formulation → Test on friends → Package and photograph for Instagram
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,200–$5,000/month
22. Open a digital downloads and printables store
Sell planners, stickers, affirmation cards, or budget templates as downloadable files. It’s low-cost, passive, and evergreen. Canva + Etsy is your base stack.
First Steps: Design 5 products → Set up Etsy shop → Promote on Pinterest
Earning Potential (6 months): $800–$3,000/month
23. Consider event planning
Plan baby showers, brand launches, or micro weddings. You’ll need vendor coordination, client calls, and some in-person presence. Start with one vertical like “kid parties.”
First Steps: Offer to plan 1–2 free events → Build portfolio → Start local Instagram outreach
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,500–$7,000/month
24. Become an interior styling consultant
Offer remote consultations for small apartments, home offices, or Airbnbs. Moodboards, links, and space planning can all be done online. Great for women with strong visual sense.
First Steps: Style your own space → Offer discounted first clients → Promote on Houzz, Instagram
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$6,000/month
25. Begin pet sitting or dog walking
This one is perfect for animal lovers. With platforms like Rover or neighborhood outreach, you can build a loyal client base with recurring income.
First Steps: Offer weekend pet-sitting → Join Rover → Collect reviews and build a referral loop
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,500–$4,000/month
26. Think about an Etsy store for handmade decor
If you love crafting, try making items like wreaths, candles, macramé, or seasonal decor. Pinterest and Etsy are your primary traffic sources.
First Steps: Create 10 products → Build Etsy storefront → Promote with DIY video content
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$5,000/month
27. Parenting Coach or Sleep Consultant
Help new moms navigate toddler tantrums or baby sleep regressions. You can build programs, offer 1:1 consults, and create downloadable resources.
First Steps: Pick your age group/niche → Get certified (if needed) → Launch a free masterclass
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$8,000/month
28. Sell subscription boxes
Curate niche boxes—self-care kits, kids’ crafts, or themed date nights. Recurring revenue but needs solid sourcing and logistics.
First Steps: Curate 3-month box calendar → Partner with small brands → Launch with a waitlist
Earning Potential (6 months): $3,000–$10,000/month
29. Launch a merch brand or apparel line
Design and sell T-shirts, hats, or tote bags with witty or meaningful messages. You can use POD (print-on-demand) to avoid inventory initially.
First Steps: Design 10 items → Set up on Printful + Shopify → Promote via niche memes or creators
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$7,000/month
30. Design kids activity box
Curate or design creative kits for toddlers, preschoolers, or homeschoolers. You’ll need to test for safety, engagement, and packaging appeal.
First Steps: Create 3 pilot boxes → Test with local parents → List online + subscription options
Earning Potential (6 months): $3,000–$9,000/month
31. Start a plant styling and gifting brand
Urban homes love plants. Offer curated plant decor kits or green gifting services. You can also add online consultations or workshops.
First Steps: Build 3 hero kits → Shoot aesthetic photos → Promote via reels and local delivery
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$6,000/month
32. Sell art prints and digital wall decor
Sell digital or physical art prints online. Niche into affirmations, pet portraits, or boho minimalist decor. Use Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic.
First Steps: Create 10 print designs → Set up Shopify or Etsy → Partner with local printers
Earning Potential (6 months): $1,000–$4,000/month
33. Sell handmade candles
Soy, beeswax, or scented candles with a strong brand voice can sell really well. Ideal for holidays or customized gifting.
First Steps: Create 3 signature scents → Package creatively → Promote on reels and through gift guides
Earning Potential (6 months): $2,000–$6,000/month
34. Offer lifestyle coaching or mindset programs
If you’ve overcome personal challenges, you can help others do the same. Sell transformation through digital products, 1:1 sessions, and group coaching.
First Steps: Define your transformation path → Create a signature offer → Host a challenge to attract leads
Earning Potential (6 months): $3,000–$10,000/month
35. Build a personal brand empire
The most advanced: build a full brand with courses, products, a podcast, newsletter, merch, and a loyal audience. You become the product and the platform.
First Steps: Pick a core message → Start with 1–2 content channels → Layer in monetization
Earning Potential (6 months): $5,000–$25,000/month+
Next steps
The online course industry is booming, but here’s the hard truth—most courses don’t make it.
Over 85% of online courses fail to retain students, and a major reason is poor platform usability and lack of engagement.
Research shows that the average completion rate for online courses hovers around 15%, with some dropping as low as 3-5%.
The solution? An intuitive platform, interactive content, and a smart marketing strategy.
And Graphy solves exactly this.
Graphy has helped over 200K creators launch and sell their AI-first courses, webinars, memberships and other digital products.
